The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE). Application packages are due by Feb. 28, 2026.

The ACEP-ALE program aims to protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agricultural uses and conservation values, and to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.

Applicants (eligible entities) must be a federally recognized Indian Tribe, state or local units of government, or a non-governmental organization. Applicants must have an established farmland protection program that purchases agricultural conservation easements for the purpose of protecting agriculture use and related conservation values by limiting conversion to nonagricultural uses of the land.

USDA provides up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement in this voluntary program and up to 75 percent for qualifying Grasslands of Special Significance (GSS). The qualified landowner retains ownership and continues to use the land for agricultural purposes.

To be eligible to receive ALE funding, eligible entity applicants must demonstrate a commitment to long-term conservation of agricultural lands; a capability to acquire, manage, and enforce easements; adequate staff capacity for monitoring and easement stewardship; and the availability of funds. All landowners of record and the land being offered for enrollment must also meet specific eligibility criteria as outlined in the application materials posted to the State ACEP website.

Fully completed application packets may be sent to the attention of Easements Program Manager, by email (preferred) to katelyn.colon@usda.gov or by mail to USDA-NRCS, 200 Clocktower Dr, Suite 101, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.

Only fully completed and properly executed applications that are submitted by these signup dates on the appropriate forms and accompanied by all required supporting documentation will be considered for funding in FY 2026. All qualified applications will be reviewed, ranked, and considered for funding according to the Final ACEP rule, policy, and guidance. Complete applications received after the cutoff date may be considered if another sign-up date is announced. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about ACEP-ALE in New Jersey, please contact Katelyn Colon at (732) 537-6099 or katelyn.colon@usda.gov. You can also visit your nearest USDA Service Center or visit the New Jersey NRCS ACEP website.